In 2020

Faith has long motivated entire communities to champion causes of justice, in pursuit of a more equal, more virtuous society. On the flip side, for as much as faith has been a motivator for justice, it has also been wielded as a weapon to prioritize those of certain faith traditions over others, and keep in place systems of oppression. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we will explore what it means to reconcile with the damaging legacy of those who invoke faith to support hate.

Dr. Robert P. Jones, founder and CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, grew up a devoted Southern Baptist, but had not learned of the church’s racial history until he was in his twenties. Robby will join Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, to discuss his new book, White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, a provocative title for a book based on meticulous research and objective data, not partisanship or political agendas.

As brave organizers across the country have continued to protest racial inequity and policy brutality, the Trump administration has taken this consequential moment to portray peaceful protestors as criminals, sending in questionable federal forces over the protests of state and local elected leaders. So much for states’ rights… Rev. Tara Wilkins of Interfaith Clergy Resistance will join Welton to describe why diverse faith leaders are placing themselves at risk on the front lines in Portland, Oregon.

In a normal year, this weekend would mark the culmination of the Hajj, in which millions of Muslims would conclude their pilgrimage to Mecca. But this is 2020, and the global pandemic has blocked almost all of the typically millions who make this sacred journey. Rev. Gaddy will sit down with Haroon Moghul of the Shalom Hartman Institute will join Welton to talk about the significance of the Hajj, and what this year’s travel restrictions mean for observant Muslims.

We’ll end with a Word from Welton on the final message from the late Rep. John Lewis.

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